The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers and the American Gaming Association are partnering to combat what they say is the rapid spread of unregulated gaming machines throughout the U.S.

The centerpiece of the campaign is a new fact sheet explaining the difference between regulated gaming and unregulated gaming, which will be distributed to state and local policymakers, regulators, law enforcement agencies and media outlets. The associations will target Pennsylvania, Missouri and Virginia, where the spread of unregulated machines has been "particularly egregious."

"The spread of these machines represents a serious threat to the overall regulated market that has invested billions in infrastructure while also creating thousands of jobs and substantial tax benefits in the communities they serve," AGEM Executive Director Marcus Prater said in a statement. "Moreover, unregulated machines prey on confused players who see slot machine symbols and think they're getting a fair chance when they absolutely are not."

The groups say unregulated machines include such things as "sweepstakes" and "no chance" video game terminals found in convenience stores, truck stops and gas stations. Such "amusement" games generally do not require state licenses to operate, unlike conventional gaming machines.

"Stamping out the illegal market that threatens the safety of consumers will always be one of the gaming industry's highest priorities," AGA CEO Bill Miller said.

The associations noted that in addition to the fact sheet, more than 20 professional gaming organizations have joined the pair in expressing opposition to the spread of unregulated machines, including the National Indian Gaming Association and North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries.

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